Go Back
To make the perfect Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, you need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 3 ripe bananas, mashed - 1/3 cup melted butter - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 egg, beaten - 1 teaspoon baking soda - Pinch of salt - 3/4 cup sugar (or 1/2 cup for less sweetness) - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup brown sugar These ingredients come together to create a moist and flavorful loaf. The ripe bananas give natural sweetness, while the cinnamon and sugar swirl adds a delightful touch. The melted butter keeps the bread rich and moist. If you want it a bit less sweet, reduce the sugar to half a cup. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust it to your taste. Gather these ingredients, and you will be ready to bake a delicious treat! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This helps the bread slide out easily later. In a large bowl, add 3 ripe bananas and mash them with a fork. Mix in 1/3 cup melted butter until combined. Then, add 1 beaten egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until everything is mixed well. Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt. Mix these in well to ensure even rising. Now, add 3/4 cup of sugar (or reduce to 1/2 cup for less sweetness) and 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the bread soft. In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon with 1/4 cup of brown sugar. This will create a sweet swirl for your bread. Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of your cinnamon-sugar mix on top. Then, pour the rest of the batter in and top with the remaining cinnamon-sugar. Use a knife to swirl the mixture into the batter. This creates a lovely marbled effect. Ripe bananas are key to great banana bread. They add natural sweetness and moisture. Look for bananas with brown spots. These are perfect for mashing. Mix the batter gently. Overmixing can make your bread tough. Stir just until the dry and wet ingredients blend. You want a few lumps in the mixture. This keeps your bread soft and fluffy. For the best presentation, slice the banana bread thick. Serve it warm with a pat of butter on top. A sprinkle of cinnamon on the butter adds flavor. You can also try toppings like chopped nuts or chocolate chips. These add crunch and sweetness. Serve slices with a hot drink for a cozy treat. {{image_2}} You can make small changes to this recipe to make it healthier. Here are two easy ideas: - Reducing sugar or using sugar substitutes: You can cut the sugar from 3/4 cup to 1/2 cup. This change still keeps the bread sweet, but it cuts some calories. You might also try using a sugar substitute like stevia. This can help if you watch your sugar intake. - Adding nuts or chocolate chips: Mixing in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips can add flavor and crunch. Walnuts or pecans work well. Chocolate chips can bring a sweet twist. Just fold them into the batter before baking. You can boost the taste of your banana bread with some fun tweaks. Here are a couple of options: - Experimenting with other spices: Try adding a dash of nutmeg or cardamom. These spices pair well with cinnamon. Just use a small amount, as you don’t want to overpower the banana flavor. - Adding fruit or yogurt for moisture: You can mix in 1/2 cup of yogurt or applesauce. This keeps the bread moist and adds extra flavor. You could also use chopped fruits like blueberries or strawberries for a fruity twist. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if you add a lot of extra moisture. Store your banana bread at room temperature. Place it in a cool, dry spot. If you want to keep it fresh longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Avoid storing it in the fridge, as it can dry out quickly. To freeze slices, wait until the banana bread cools. Then, slice it into pieces. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. To thaw, take out a slice and leave it at room temperature. You can also heat it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. For a crispier texture, toast it for a few minutes. Enjoy your banana bread warm and fresh, even after freezing! You can tell banana bread is done when a toothpick comes out clean. Insert the toothpick in the center of the loaf. If it has wet batter, it needs more time. If it has a few crumbs, it is ready. The bread should also spring back when lightly pressed. Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them first. Drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas work well because they become very soft. This leads to a moist banana bread. Use a serrated knife for slicing banana bread. This type of knife cuts through the crust without squishing the soft inside. Start at one end and use a gentle sawing motion. Avoid pressing down hard as you cut. - Can I add nuts or chocolate chips? Yes, you can add nuts or chocolate chips. Just fold them into the batter gently. - What should I do if my bread is too dry? If your banana bread is dry, try adding a little yogurt next time. This will keep it moist and add flavor. - How can I make it sweeter? You can increase the sugar to one cup if you like it sweeter. Adjust according to your taste. This blog post covered all you need to make great banana bread. You learned about the ingredients, steps, and tips for success. Keep your bananas ripe and don’t overmix! Try adding nuts or spices for fun twists. Store your bread well to keep it fresh. Now you're ready to bake and enjoy. Happy cooking!

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Bake a delicious Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread that’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat! This easy recipe combines ripe bananas with a delightful cinnamon and brown sugar swirl. In just 15 minutes of prep time and a little baking, you'll have a warm, comforting loaf that your family will love. Ready to indulge? Click through for step-by-step instructions and make your kitchen smell heavenly today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

3 ripe bananas, mashed

1/3 cup melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 egg, beaten

1 teaspoon baking soda

Pinch of salt

3/4 cup sugar (can reduce to 1/2 cup for less sweetness)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the mashed bananas. Stir until well mixed.

      Blend in the beaten egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.

        Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir well.

          Add the sugar and flour, and mix until just combined—do not overmix!

            In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and brown sugar.

              Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture on top.

                Pour in the remaining banana batter and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top. Use a knife to gently swirl the mixture into the batter for a marbled effect.

                  Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                    Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 8 slices

                        - Presentation Tips: Slice the banana bread and serve warm with a pat of butter on top. You can also sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on the butter for an extra touch!